"As a child growing up on the banks of the Manatee River in Palmetto Florida I was influenced by the beauty of nature and wildlife. It had an impact on me that influenced my life, my career, as well as my art. I served over 20 years in the United States Coast Guard doing my best to help protect and serve as well as to watch guard over the environment that I loved. On retirement from the Coast Guard I knew I wanted my next job to have a strong connection with nature. Professional nature photography was my choice. It wasn't an easy leap from a job that rarely required calm and patience to an art that demanded it. Now I sit early mornings and late evenings waiting for the right light or subject to appear. Patience is always a struggle, just when I am about to give up, I wait just a little bit longer. The extra few minutes is often rewarded. Just like my experiences with the Coast Guard, good nature photography is rarely done on beautiful days or at mid-day after a good nights sleep."